Taoiseach Micheál Martin has confirmed that it’s the Government "objective" to cut the cost of childcare before Christmas.
When asked if some measures in the Budget will be felt by families before the end of the year, Mr Martin said: That is the objective of the Government.
“We have to do it obviously within the fiscal framework.
“The Budget isn't going to be announced today. And I don't mean that in any sort of facetious way.
“Childcare is a big issue.
“It's a very significant cost pressure on families.
“And we're going to look at that.
“Last year we took significant measures around giving resources to minister O'Gorman to work with the partners in childcare around pay and conditions and to create meaningful career pathways for people working in childcare.
“We're very clear across Government that the next budget has to look at affordability issues in childcare.”
The Taoiseach was speaking to reporters on Monday ahead of the National Economic Dialogue where he will hear from representatives and unions discuss October's Budget.
The Fianna Fáil leader also warned that Irish households are facing the toughest winter so far due to energy costs caused by Russia’s war in Ukraine.
He said whatever the Government decides to do will have to be “sustainable.”
He said: “The immediate priority of this year’s Budget will be the cost of living.
“And obviously, we will assess the situation. That's why it's important that we take on board the uncertainty of the situation.
“And that is why you're dealing with this on a month to month basis.
“If we were to do that (start the rainy day fund), this is a very highly uncertain situation - I mean if you look at what's happened in the last few weeks alone, let's just put it that way. “Russia has cut off gas supplies to Germany and Germany is talking about the activation of dormant coal plants – that is serious stuff.
“The indications are that Russia is looking to exact very significant pressure on Europe’s supply of gas and that's the context we have to plan and work.
“That’s why a month to month approach is not ideal but we understand the pressures.
“But we've got to accept the winter period could be the most significant period of this crisis so far.
“And therefore we've got to make sure that we have enough in reserve to deal with that.
“And to keep the pressure off to make sure people have some quality of life and get through the winter.
“Whatever we do has to be sustainable.”
